Media-wary Nawaz engages foreign press

LAHORE:

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, who has long dodged open dialogue with local journalists since his party took the reins in both the centre and Punjab, once again opened his doors to Indian journalists attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, underscoring his hopes for rekindling ties between Pakistan and India.

Flanked by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the PML-N leader met with Indian journalists for the second time.

A few days earlier, he had granted an exclusive interview to prominent Indian journalist Barkha Dutt, where he reiterated his aspiration for better relations between the two neighbouring countries, a vision he has long championed.

In both instances, Nawaz Sharif expressed his long-standing desire for peaceful relations between Pakistan and India, expressing optimism for a diplomatic thaw.

During the recent one-hour interaction, Nawaz Sharif praised the participation of India's foreign minister in the SCO summit, calling it a much-needed "ice breaker" in the otherwise frosty relationship.

His remarks appeared as an olive branch extended to India, despite its continued rhetoric against Pakistan on the global stage.

During this latest meeting, the former prime minister spoke positively about the participation of India's foreign minister in the SCO summit, describing it as an "ice breaker" for the two nations.

His remarks were seen as an olive branch extended to India, despite the continued hostility and allegations of terror sponsoring against Pakistan on the international stage.

The timing of this interaction is significant, as India faces mounting diplomatic challenges, particularly after the expulsion of six of its diplomats from Canada on charges of inciting violence. Besides, the US has pressured India to cooperate with Canadian authorities over the killing of a prominent Sikh leader on Canadian soil, a far cry from the support India had hoped for.

It is important to note that India has not only been implicated in the killings of Sikhs in Canada but has also carried out a reign of terror against Sikhs within Pakistan. Additionally, there was an attempt to assassinate a prominent Sikh leader in the United States, though the plot was ultimately thwarted.

The diplomatic strain has only worsened India's position, as its tensions with China and Pakistan remain unresolved, and its recent relations with Bangladesh have soured following the establishment of an interim government not to India's liking.

Nawaz Sharif's gesture of goodwill comes as Pakistan extends a hand to normalise relations with India, despite the latter's ongoing accusations and the backdrop of diplomatic turmoil. His push for improved ties with India aligns with his long-standing belief that cooperation between the two countries can unlock new opportunities for both.